Alex Lau Looks Ahead to Georgetown
Alex Lau is graduating from Huntington High School a happy man. He’s built an enviable academic and co-curricular record over the past four years and he’s perfectly content with his decision to attend Georgetown University in the fall. Why shouldn’t he feel good?
“I have had a great four years at Huntington High School,” Mr. Lau said. “I think the most important aspect of my Huntington High School career was getting involved in extra-curricular activities in school and the community.”
During high school Mr. Lau has been a member of the concert symphony orchestra, the winter and spring track and field teams, Key club, Habitat for Humanity, The Dispatch student newspaper, the National, Italian, English and Math honor societies and the St. Hugh’s CYO basketball league. He has coached in the Tri-Village Little League baseball program, volunteered with Project Nicaragua through Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Church in Centerport, spent time tutoring at the Boys and Girls Club and worked during summers at a local pizzeria and at a law firm.
“The most valuable experiences that I will take from my high school career are from my mission trips to the rural, impoverished town of Amatitán Nicaragua on two occasions,” Mr. Lau said. “Although I couldn’t speak the language (he said it’s the only time he regretted taking Italian instead of Spanish), I was still able to make connections and friendships with the members of the community that I know will last a lifetime.”
As a sophomore, Mr. Lau personally raised $3,900 that funded the complete construction of two houses in Amatitán. The following year he collaborated with his brother, Chris, to raise another $3,500 and the pair used the money to build two more homes.
“It was rewarding to be able to go on more than one trip to see the clear progress being made in the small town like paved roads and the increasing number of houses,” Mr. Lau said. “Not a day goes by when I don’t think about those two trips, and how grateful I am for everything that I have. Some of the other clubs I’ve enjoyed being a part of are Habitat for Humanity and Key club, which are two clubs that are truly committed to improving the community around them. I know that each of them will continue their great work.”
At Georgetown Mr. Lau intends to major in political science and take some journalism classes. “One of my main goals while there is to continue my community service,” he said. He also plans on keeping up with his fantasy baseball, hockey and football league activities. He’s been organizing and running these leagues for about 20 of his friends, including an annual draft, establishing rules of play and penning a weekly column for participants.
Mr. Lau is one of the youngest members of the graduating class, but that has hardly held him back. “Alex has shown a maturity that has enabled him to fit in and continue to excel at high levels,” said Bernadette Walsh, Huntington’s college counselor. “He has challenged himself with solid honors and Advanced Placement classes throughout high school and has definitely impressed our faculty, earning their respect for his willingness to be a positive contributor in all of his classes.”
With so much crammed into the past four years, Mr. Lau will graduate with many warm memories. “The things I will remember most about high school were the great teachers I had, being commissioner of our grade’s fantasy sports leagues, playing pick-up volleyball, basketball and football, track, orchestra and the great student section we had at basketball games senior year,” Mr. Lau said.
Mrs. Walsh calls Mr. Lau “one of the good guys.” Before choosing Georgetown he was considering a number of top schools including Notre Dame and Boston College. “His teachers often comment on his motivation, insight, willingness to ask questions and his class participation, including his precise communication skills,” Mrs. Walsh said.
“Some pointers I would give to incoming freshmen are to work hard in everything you do and to get involved, even if it means trying out new things,” Mr. Lau said when asked to provide advice to younger students. “Huntington High School has so many great clubs, and sports teams that it’s easy for kids to get involved. Always work hard, but don’t forget to also have fun and enjoy your four years of high school.”
Despite plenty of academic and personal commitments, Mr. Lau still found time to volunteer with the Huntington Interfaith Homeless Initiative one day a week, blowing up air mattresses for the shelter, distributing hygienic products and clothing and helping to set out dinner. He plans to continue volunteering at Georgetown.
“I have had an enjoyable four years at the high school,” Mr. Lau said. “Huntington has definitely been good to me. All I can hope is that the next four years are as enjoyable as the past four.”
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